Abstract: A promoted membrane suitable for use in single-ply roofing applications is disclosed. The membrane comprises EPDM rubber and 0.1 to 10 wt. % of an adhesion promoter. The promoter comprises a polyester resin having a hydroxyl number within the range of 28 to 250 mg KOH/g, a content of terephthalate recurring units within the range of 40 to 65 wt. % based on the amount of polyester resin, and a glass-transition temperature within the range of 40° C. to 80° C. Roofing systems comprising the promoted EPDM membranes are also disclosed. Compared with an unpromoted membrane, the promoted membranes provide a substantial and unexpected boost in peel strength such that the roofing systems resist weather-induced failure of the bond between the roofing membrane and the roof substrate. The invention helps roofers minimize or limit the aggravation and cost of warranty claims from customers whose buildings and contents may otherwise be damaged or destroyed by exposure to wind and/or rain.

Abstract: A fire-resistant polymeric membrane includes a polymer layer such as PVC, TPO, or EPDM affixed to a carbon fiber composite. The carbon fiber composite includes one or two layers of non-woven carbon fibers and at least one of an inert fiber mat or a metal foil layer, wherein the metal foil layer has a melting temperature of at least about 660° C. The present invention also provides an underlayment, wherein the underlayment is formed from one or more fibrous carbon layers affixed to at least one of an inert fiber mat or a metal foil having a melting temperature greater than 660° C.

Abstract: A fire-resistant polymeric membrane includes a polymer layer such as PVC, TPO, or EPDM affixed to a carbon fiber composite. The carbon fiber composite includes one or two layers of non-woven carbon fibers and at least one of an inert fiber mat or a metal foil layer, wherein the metal foil layer has a melting temperature of at least about 660° C. The present invention also provides an underlayment, wherein the underlayment is formed from one or more fibrous carbon layers affixed to at least one of an inert fiber mat or a metal foil having a melting temperature greater than 660° C.

Abstract: A roofing board, such as a polyiso insulation board, includes first and second surfaces, where the first surface is lighter in color than the second surface. This allows the roofing installer to choose which of the surfaces to expose to the atmosphere, the lighter surface being cooler than the darker surface. The lighter surface may have a solar reflectance greater than the darker surface. A roofing membrane is then adhered or otherwise attached to the exposed surface.

Abstract: A fire-resistant polymeric membrane includes a polymer layer such as PVC, TPO, or EPDM affixed to a carbon fiber composite. The carbon fiber composite includes one or two layers of non-woven carbon fibers and at least one of an inert fiber mat or a metal foil layer, wherein the metal foil layer has a melting temperature of at least about 660° C. The present invention also provides an underlayment, wherein the underlayment is formed from one or more fibrous carbon layers affixed to at least one of an inert fiber mat or a metal foil having a melting temperature greater than 660° C.

Abstract: A roof structure comprises a roof membrane and a roof substrate. A first surface of the roof membrane is adhered to the roof substrate by a two component adhesive, the adhesive being capable of adhering the first surface of the roof membrane to the roof substrate without the use of a high VOC solvent. The two component adhesive includes a Michael donor and a Michael acceptor, and the Michael donor and the Michael acceptor react to form an adhesive film.

Abstract: A roofing laminate includes a roofing membrane, preferably a white roofing membrane, which is covered with a protective sheet. The protective sheet is tinted so that it has a coloration distinguishable from the roofing. The roofing laminate is applied to a roof surface and the release liner protects the outer surface of the membrane from scrapes and dirt during installation. Once the roof is installed the protective sheets are removed from all of the membrane sheets, exposing a clean surface.

Abstract: A roofing laminate includes a roofing membrane, preferably a white roofing membrane, which is covered with a protective sheet. The protective sheet is tinted so that it has a coloration distinguishable from the roofing. The roofing laminate is applied to a roof surface and the release liner protects the outer surface of the membrane from scrapes and dirt during installation. Once the roof is installed the protective sheets are removed from all of the membrane sheets, exposing a clean surface.

Abstract: A sealant composition comprising a binder and a filler material. The binder comprising a residual pitch product and an elastomeric material and, optionally, asphalt, a microcrystalline wax, and/or oil. The filler material is present in an amount of between about 11 vol. % and about 67 vol. % of the sealant composition. In one embodiment, the filler material is present in an amount of between about 25 wt. % and about 70 wt. % of the sealant composition.

Abstract: A roofing laminate includes a roofing membrane, preferably a white roofing membrane, which is covered with a protective sheet. The protective sheet is tinted so that it has a coloration distinguishable from the roofing. The roofing laminate is applied to a roof surface and the release liner protects the outer surface of the membrane from scrapes and dirt during installation. Once the roof is installed the protective sheets are removed from all of the membrane sheets, exposing a clean surface.

Abstract: A power transmission belt is provided with a peroxide-cured, polybutadiene-based elastomeric composition. The elastomeric composition includes 100 parts of a rubber derived from 50 to 100 parts by weight of polybutadiene rubber; 0 to 50 parts by weight of at least one other rubber; about 1 to about 20 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of total rubber (phr) of a type I coagent; about 1 to about 20 phr of a type II coagent; and about 0.1 to about 10 phr of a peroxide curing agent.

Abstract: A sealant composition comprising a binder and a filler material. The binder comprising a residual pitch product and an elastomeric material and, optionally, asphalt, a microcrystalline wax, and/or oil. The filler material is present in an amount of between about 11 vol. % and about 67 vol. % of the sealant composition. In one embodiment, the filler material is present in an amount of between about 25 wt. % and about 70 wt. % of the sealant composition.

Abstract: A low profile flexible photovoltaic cell system, which is particularly suitable for use on sloped surfaces such as hills, landfills, and the like, includes a plurality of photovoltaic cells adhered to a flexible membrane. The cells are aligned so that the electrical wiring for each cell is at an upper edge of the membrane as it would be located on a sloped surface. A flexible flap, preferably made out of the same flexible membrane, is bonded to the flexible membrane immediately above the top edges of the aligned photovoltaic cells. The flap extends downwardly and covers the electrical connections of the photovoltaic cells. The free end of the flap is, in turn, fixed to the membrane fastened to areas between adjacent photovoltaic cells using a hook and tile type fastener, or a strap, or other type of connector. This protects the electrical connections of the photovoltaic cells from the elements, in particular, water, snow and ice, but can be easily opened for inspection or repair.

Abstract: A sealant composition comprising a binder and a filler material. The binder comprising a residual pitch product and an elastomeric material and, optionally, asphalt, a microcrystalline wax, and/or oil. The filler material is present in an amount of between about 11 vol. % and about 67 vol. % of the sealant composition. In one embodiment, the filler material is present in an amount of between about 25 wt. % and about 70 wt. % of the sealant composition.

Abstract: A sealant composition comprising a binder and a filler material. The binder comprising a residual pitch product and an elastomeric material and, optionally, asphalt, a microcrystalline wax, and/or oil. The filler material is present in an amount of between about 11 vol. % and about 67 vol. % of the sealant composition. In one embodiment, the filler material is present in an amount of between about 25 wt. % and about 70 wt. % of the sealant composition.

Abstract: A skylight assembly includes a curb which supports the skylight above the roof surface. The curb is formed from four mechanically connected structural insulated panels. The panels include an outer fastener-receiving member such as OSB with an intermediate polystyrene foam layer and an innermost melamine layer. The curb is assembled on site and fastened to the roof structure with brackets. The melamine surface provides a finished interior surface and the curb itself provides thermal insulation.

Abstract: A membrane roof includes a supporting substrate covered with a roofing membrane. The roofing membrane is adhered to the substrate utilizing an adhesive such as a foam polyurethane adhesive. The adhesive has an elongation of at least 100% and a modulus no greater than 100 psi.

Abstract: A mold for forming a tire curing bladder. The mold has an outer mold assembly enclosing an inner mold core assembly. The outer mold comprises three sections and the inner mold comprises two portions. The outer mold and the inner mold core form a mold cavity therebetween. In one embodiment, the mold cavity defines a frog eye geometry where a cylindrical space is formed having a diameter that is greater for portions spaced away from a centerline of the mold cavity than for portions near the centerline.

Abstract: A roof system designed to retain water during storms and release it slowly over a period of time includes a polymeric water impervious membrane covered with a drainage board in turn covered with a water retention mat. The water retention mat and drainage board are held in position by ballast, preferably gravel.

Abstract: A self repairing roof membrane includes a water impervious layer such as EPDM covering a layer including a water swellable polymer. Preferably, the water swellable polymer is bound to a nonwoven web. If a tear is formed through the membrane, water that passes through the tear will be absorbed by the water swellable polymer, which will form a hydrogel and plug the tear.